Habits That Can Harm Your Teeth

Most of us tend to ignore oral health until something happens. When it comes to oral health, we all know the importance of brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist in Blacktown. But, there are few habits and lifestyle choices that could be harming your oral health. In this blog, you will learn how to avoid those habits to protect your oral health from decolouration, dental decay, and gum disease.

Chewing on ice 

Of course, it feels so good to chew the ice. You may think that it is natural, sugar-free, and harmless. But, munching on frozen, hard cubes can crack or chip your teeth. If the chomping irritates the soft tissues of your tooth, you may experience toothache regularly. Munching on ice can permanently damage your teeth by cracking the enamels. The cracks can grow longer over time, causing tooth fracture that requires visiting the emergency dentist Blacktown and unnecessary expense to fix the tooth.

If you are addicted to this habit and can’t resist, it is a good idea to skip the ice. Opt for cool water instead or try to drink without ice to resist the urge to chew on those frozen cubes. It is really a bad habit that needs to be stopped right away.

Playing without mouthguard

Mouthguards are designed to protect your teeth while you are playing. Would you ride a bike without a helmet? Box someone without gloves? Play rugby without a helmet? Then, playing a high-impact sport without a mouth guard is not a good idea. According to the Australian Dental Association, mouth guards prevent thousands of sports-related injuries every year. Many tend to lose their teeth while playing sports. The pain and recovery after a tooth is knocked out can be overwhelming. You wouldn’t want to go through such a stressful ordeal. There is no point in hitting the field without a mouthguard.

The teeth are vulnerable to being damaged or knocked out from aggressive sports. Football, hockey, and rugby are high-impact sports that can damage your teeth. So, the next time before hitting the filed, consider wearing a mouthguard.

Teeth grinding

Teeth grinding is often linked to anxiety and stress. Teeth grinding can happen at any time, and many tend to grind their teeth when sleeping unknowingly. Teeth grinding can lead to a range of oral problems, including loose teeth, chipped tooth enamel, worn-down teeth, tooth loss, and joint problems. Speak to the dentist in Blacktown if you suspect you are grinding your teeth. There are treatments that help get rid of this habit.

Using your teeth as a tool

Opening a plastic bag or bottle gap may be convenient, but it can cause damage to your teeth. Yes, using your teeth as tools can make them chip or crack.

Constant snacking

Snacking throughout the day is not a good habit since the plaque and food debris can accumulate on your teeth for a long time that leads to dental decay. If you want to snack in-between meals, consider food items like apples, carrots, and celery.

Smoking

Smoking is a big risk factor for not only oral cancer but also other types of cancer. Seek help from the dentist to increase the chances of kicking out this unhealthy diet.

Visiting the dentist regularly for professional cleaning and check-ups is crucial to maintain your oral health. Besides, regular visits help to detect dental complications early. Never ignore the dental procedures like wisdom teeth removal in Blacktown as it can wreak havoc on your oral health.